Senior Pre-Construction Manager

Cityscape Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A fit-out and design company in the UK is seeking a Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead significant commercial workplace projects. Responsibilities include overseeing pre-construction activities, managing risk and value engineering, and ensuring quality deliverables. Candidates should have substantial experience in the commercial fit-out sector and possess a relevant degree. This role offers a salary of £80,000 to £110,000 along with extensive benefits, including private healthcare and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company mobile and laptop

Travel allowance

Private healthcare

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior pre-construction or commercial management role within commercial fit-out or design-and-build sectors.
• Self-motivated and organised, capable of leading complex pre-construction phases across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all pre-construction activities from feasibility, cost planning to design development.
• Developing comprehensive cost models and ensuring alignment to client briefs.
• Conducting risk and value engineering reviews to optimize buildability.
• Managing designer and consultant engagements for quality and delivery requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cost planning

Tender strategy

Design management

Risk management

Value engineering

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture or equivalent experience

Membership of a professional body (e.g., RICS, CIOB)

Job description

About the Company

A forward-thinking workplace design and fit-out business is seeking a Senior Pre-Construction Manager to join their UK team. The organisation is known for delivering high-quality design & build and workplace transformation projects across the UK and Europe, combining innovation with sustainability and long-term partnerships. The business prides itself on its collaborative culture, client-centric approach, and commitment to creating spaces that enhance how people work and connect.

About the Role

The Senior Pre-Construction Manager will lead the pre-construction phase for substantial commercial workplace and fit-out projects, ensuring strategic and operational alignment.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all pre-construction activities from feasibility, cost planning, tendering and design development.
• Developing comprehensive cost models, programmes and procurement routes while ensuring alignment to client briefs and internal commercial targets.
• Conducting risk and value engineering reviews, optimising buildability, and challenging design-team outputs.
• Managing designer and consultant engagements, ensuring design deliverables meet quality, sustainability and delivery requirements.
• Working cross-functionally with business development, estimating, procurement and delivery teams to ensure readiness for the construction phase.
• Acting as a senior point of contact for clients and key stakeholders; mentoring junior team members and driving continuous improvement in processes.

Rewards & Benefits

• Salary range: £80,000 - £110,000 plus a comprehensive package.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• The package also includes company mobile and laptop, travel allowance, and other role-specific benefits.
• Private healthcare and other wellbeing initiatives to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development aligned with a company that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunity to lead high-profile, transformative workplace projects offering visibility and career growth.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior pre-construction or commercial management role within commercial fit-out, workplace interiors, or design-and-build sectors.
• Strong experience in cost planning, tender strategy, design management and transition from pre-construction to delivery.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to develop budgets, programmes and procurement strategies while managing risk and value engineering.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, able to engage with clients, designers, contractors and senior internal teams.
• Self-motivated, organised and capable of leading complex pre-construction phases across multiple projects.
• Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture or equivalent experience. Membership of a professional body (e.g., RICS, CIOB) is desirable.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and attend regional meetings; UK-wide coverage may be required.